People with disorders like anxiety, chronic pain, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can tell you all about EMDR. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a potent therapeutic approach to improving one’s mental health. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR utilizes eye movements by the client and hand movements by the therapist. This facilitates a state of mind in which the client can safely process trauma and other form of mental distress.
EMDR can produce stellar results in a few sessions but this is not to say it’s a miracle cure. Depending on the trauma it may take longer than a few sessions. With that in mind, it’s helpful to offer details about any potential side effects.
Are There Side Effects of EMDR?
The short answer is yes but it’s essential to note that they are typically minor compared to, say, medications. EMDR is generally considered safe but it carries with it the same caveats that should be expressed for any form of treatment, e.g.
It won’t work for every single person
You can’t know how it works until it has been tried
Potential Short-Term Side Effects of EMDR
If someone has any of EMDR’s rare side effects, the very short-term variety is far more likely than anything longer-term. These include anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, vivid dreams, and the appearance of new traumatic memories. Even so, all of these outcomes are typically mild and temporary.
Potential Longer-Term Side Effects of EMDR
While this is not strictly a “side effect, people who experience improvement in EMDR can sometimes regress back to their original symptoms. Of course, this is a possibility for any person and any form of treatment. More specific to EMDR, there are some rare but possible long-term side effects. For example:
Pins and Needles Feeling: When doing somatic therapy, it can sometimes produce physical sensations that take a little while to fully dissipate. As long as there is no medical cause for these electric shock-type effects, they usually can be addressed through EMDR treatment.
An Ongoing Increase in Anxiety: In your early sessions, there can be a chance that anxiety rises as you continue to process the positive changes.
Intrusive Memories: We mentioned vivid dreams above as a short-term side effect. If they continue, they can transform into flashbacks/intrusive memories. This is certainly not comfortable but lessens as the feeling of trauma is resolved.
Again, generally speaking, these possible side effects tend to be rare and short-lived. They are almost always easily balanced out by the wide range of benefits EMDR can offer.
Common Benefits of EMDR
Physical
Alleviation of somatic symptoms
Better sleep
Decrease tension and stress from head to toe
Emotional
Enhanced emotional regulation
Experiencing less guilt and shame about lingering distress
A positive shift in your perspective and outlook
Feeling more in control of your daily life
Cognitive
Reframing past experiences in a new, more positive light
Understanding and naming the emotions triggered by past events
Improved memory
Better able to recall negative experiences that you had previously suppressed
In a more esoteric way, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing can be an avenue toward a purpose-filled, meaningful life. This may include a reconnection to your values and spirituality.
You Probably Have Questions
EMDR is not a typical form of mental health support. It’s a treatment approach that sounds unusual and may require a little more explanation up front. Therefore, if you feel you’ve hit a stalemate with improving your mental and physical well-being, you owe it to yourself to learn more. This option can offer quick results in a brief time and create a powerful shift in your life, depending on the trauma. Why not reach out to set up a free consultation and get your questions answered? I am here to talk to you about EMDR therapy when you are ready, don’t hesitate to contact me. If you’re interested in finding out more about EMDR please look at my EMDR Treatment page.